Managing energy usage in mobile devices

ABSTRACT

A mobile device has one or more sensors that are configured to detect the presence of fog or frost on a surface of the mobile device. A battery provides power to the mobile device. An energy transfer element, when activated, removes fog or frost from a surface of the mobile device. A programmed processor, within the mobile device, is programmed to: read one or more sensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog or frost condition; upon detecting a fog or frost condition, activating the energy transfer element to remove fog or frost; and upon detecting an absence of the fog or frost condition, deactivating the heater energy transfer element.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to mobile devices. Moreparticularly, example embodiments of the present invention relate toconserving energy in mobile devices and enhancing resistance to foggingor frosting of displays.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, mobile computing devices (“mobile devices”) combinecharacteristics of high levels of mobility, usefulness, andaffordability. With high general utility at low cost, the mobile deviceshave become commonplace even in the consumer electronics (CE)marketplace. At least as significant, moreover, is the adoption of theuse of the mobile devices over a wide spectrum of industrial, technical,and commercial spaces. Examples include order picking, inventory, andparking law enforcement.

The high mobility characteristics also relate to the ability of mobiledevices to operate untethered from external power sources. Mobiledevices are energized, over significant portions of their operations, byelectrical power consumed from an on-board battery source. As the mobiledevices operate over time, the power remaining available from thebatteries diminishes, and at some point, may be recharged.

Extending the duration of a battery charge, and corresponding timebetween recharges, may mitigate the reduction in the mobilitycharacteristic associated with connecting the mobile devices to thechargers or swapping battery packs. Extending the duration of a batterycharge allows the device to be used continuously or repeatedly over theperiod of the charge duration, and increases the mobility and efficiencyof use.

The high mobility and communicability characteristics of mobile devicesallow the use of the devices over significant distances, and in variousenvironments. For example, a mobile device may be used within indoorenvironments, as well as outdoors. A first environment may have a firsttemperature, and a second environment may have a second temperature,higher than the first (or vice versa).

After use at a lower first temperature (e.g., outdoors on a cold day),the device may be moved, in use (or used subsequently), indoors into thewarmer second temperature. Optical windows disposed over components ofthe device, such as display screens, scanners, and/or cameras, may fogover or frost over in such a circumstance obscuring the display orrendering a scanner or camera unusable. During the persistence of suchfogging or frosting effects, the usefulness of the mobile device may bediminished. To prevent or ameliorate this effect, some mobile devicesincorporate heater or other energy transfer elements to remove orprevent fog or frosting.

Like the other components of the mobile device, the heater elements areenergized by the on-board battery. While they are energized, the heaterelements may consume significant amounts of power from the battery at ahigh rate. Thus, the operation of the heater elements may reduce theduration of a battery charge (“runtime”) and the amount of time untilthe next recharge. Increased peak power usage may also cause a prematureshut down of the mobile device before the battery has been fullydischarged.

It could be useful therefore, to promote the extension of the mobilitycharacteristics of mobile devices in general, and more particularly, inrelation to energy efficiency and operational features that may promotethe range and spectrum of environments in which they may be used. Itcould also be useful to reduce the effect of mobile device heaterelement operation on the duration of a battery charge. It could beuseful, further, to increase the efficiency of the operations of mobiledevice heater elements and other power consuming circuits in the mobiledevice that can be set to a lower power state or selectively disabled.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, example embodiments of the present inventionrelate to promoting the extension of the mobility characteristics ofmobile devices in general, and more particularly, in relation to energyefficiency and operational features that may enhance the range andspectrum of environments in which they may be used. An exampleembodiment of the present invention relates to reducing the effect ofmobile device heater element operation on the duration of a batterycharge. An example embodiment of the present invention relates, further,to increasing the efficiency of the operations of mobile device heaterelements and other power consuming circuits.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method formanaging energy usage by a mobile device. An environmentalcharacteristic is monitored over at least two environments in which themobile device is operable. A location of the mobile device is tracked inrelation to the at least two environments. The mobile device isinformed, based on the tracking. The mobile device is informed with datarelating to the at least one environmental characteristic of theenvironment in which the mobile device is located.

In certain example embodiments, a characteristic of the mobile devicemay be sensed, as well. The data, related to the at least oneenvironmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobiledevice is located, is compared to the sensed characteristic of themobile device. An action is determined in relation to at least oneenergy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing ofthe environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile devicecharacteristic. The at least one energy-using operation of the mobiledevice is controlled, based on the determined action.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a mobiledevice, which is operable according to the energy management method,described herein.

Another example embodiment of the present invention relates to anon-transitory computer readable storage medium. The storage medium maybe a component of the mobile device. The storage medium storesinstructions, which upon execution by a processor, e.g., of the mobiledevice, are operable for causing, controlling, or programming theprocessor to perform the energy management method, described herein.Example embodiments of the present invention relates to various networkplatforms. An example embodiment of the present invention relates to anenergy management system. The energy management system is operable, overat least one of the various network platforms, for controlling themobile device in relation to an energy-using operation.

In one example embodiment, a method for managing energy usage by amobile device, involves: monitoring at least one environmentalcharacteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile deviceis operable; tracking a location of the mobile device in relation to theat least two environments; informing the mobile device, based on thetracking, with data relating to the at least one environmentalcharacteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located;sensing a characteristic of the mobile device; comparing the data,related to the at least one environmental characteristic of theenvironment in which the mobile device is located, to the sensedcharacteristic of the mobile device; determining an action related to atleast one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on thecomparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobiledevice characteristic; and controlling the at least one energy-usingoperation of the mobile device based on the determined action.

In certain example embodiments, the mobile device has at least onecomponent, and the controlled operation involves changing an operatingstate of the at least one mobile device component. In certain exampleembodiments, the mobile device component is a heater element, and thecontrolled operation involves changing an operating state of the heaterelement between one or more of: an energized state and a deenergizedstate; a deenergized state and an energized state; or a partiallyenergized state. In certain example embodiments, the monitored at leastone environmental characteristic is one or more of: a temperature; ahumidity level; a relative humidity; or a dew point. In certain exampleembodiments, sensing the characteristic of the mobile device includesmeasuring a temperature of the mobile device. In certain exampleembodiments, determining an action involves computing a dew point basedon the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitored at leastone environmental characteristic. In certain example embodiments, themethod further involves energizing the heater element upon the computeddew point at least meeting a programmed value. In certain exampleembodiments, the at least meeting the programmed value comprises one ormore of meeting or exceeding the programmed value. In certain exampleembodiments, the method further includes de-energizing the heaterelement upon the programmed value exceeding the computed dew point. Incertain example embodiments, the monitoring is performed continuously,repeatedly, or periodically; and the tracking of the location of themobile device in relation to the at least two environments involves:determining a position of the mobile device within a first of the atleast two environments; and detecting a change in the position of themobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the twoenvironments; and the method further involves: upon the detecting thechange in the position of the mobile device from within the first, tothe at least second of the two environments, repeating, in relation tothe at least second of the two environments, the informing, the sensing,the comparing, the determining, and the controlling.

In another example embodiment a mobile device is operable for managingenergy usage. The mobile device includes an energy-using component. Aprocessor is operable for controlling an operation of the energy-usingcomponent by: monitoring at least one environmental characteristic of atleast two environments in which the mobile device is operable; trackinga location of the mobile device in relation to the at least twoenvironments; informing the mobile device, based on the tracking, withdata relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of theenvironment in which the mobile device is located; sensing acharacteristic of the mobile device; comparing the data, related to theat least one environmental characteristic of the environment in whichthe mobile device is located, to the sensed characteristic of the mobiledevice; determining an action related to at least one energy-usingoperation of the mobile device based on the comparing of theenvironmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile devicecharacteristic; and controlling the at least one energy-using operationof the mobile device based on the determined action.

In certain example embodiments, the energy-using component comprises aheater element, and the controlled operation comprises changing anoperating state of the heater element between one or more of: anenergized state and a deenergized state; a deenergized state and anenergized state; or a partially energized state. In certain exampleembodiments, the monitored at least one environmental characteristic isone or more of: a temperature; a humidity; a relative humidity; or a dewpoint. In certain example embodiments, a sensor is operable formeasuring a temperature of the mobile device. In certain exampleembodiments, the determining of the action involves computing a dewpoint based on the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitoredat least one environmental characteristic. In certain exampleembodiments, the device further has at least one network interfaceoperable for exchanging data signals with the processor, and with anetwork, the data signals relating to one or more of: the monitoring ofat least one environmental characteristic of at least two environmentsin which the mobile device is operable; the tracking of the location ofthe mobile device in relation to the at least two environments; or theinforming of the mobile device with the data relating to the at leastone environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobiledevice is located.

In certain example embodiments, the mobile device further has a casedisposed about and encasing a plurality of components of the mobiledevice; and an optically transparent window disposed within the case;where the energy-using component is operable for deterring one or moreof a fog condensation or a frost deposit upon the optically transparentwindow.

In another example embodiment, a system for managing a usage of energyhas a network operable for communicating data signals. A first sensor isdisposed in a first environment, the first environment having anassociated first characteristic, the first sensor operable for sensingthe first characteristic, and for communicating data signals relatingthereto over the network. A second sensor is disposed in at least asecond environment, the at least second environment having an associatedsecond characteristic, which is independent in relation to the firstcharacteristic, the second sensor operable for sensing the secondcharacteristic, and for communicating data signals relating thereto overthe network. At least one mobile device is operable in the first and theat least second environments, and for communicating data signals overthe network in relation to the sensed first characteristic, and thesensed second characteristic, the mobile device includes: anenergy-using component and a processor operable for controlling anoperation of the energy-using component by: monitoring at least oneenvironmental characteristic of at least two environments in which themobile device is operable; tracking a location of the mobile device inrelation to the at least two environments; informing the mobile device,based on the tracking, with data relating to the at least oneenvironmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobiledevice is located; sensing a characteristic of the mobile device;comparing the data, related to the at least one environmentalcharacteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located,to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device; determining an actionrelated to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile devicebased on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to thesensed mobile device characteristic; and controlling the at least oneenergy-using operation of the mobile device based on the determinedaction.

In certain example embodiments, the energy-using component comprises aheater element, and the controlled operation comprises changing anoperating state of the heater element between one or more of: anenergized state and a deenergized state; a deenergized state and anenergized state; or a partially energized state. In certain exampleembodiments, the changing of the operating state of the heater elementis performed based on a dew point computation performed in relation tothe comparing of the at least one environmental characteristic of theenvironment in which the mobile device is located, to the sensedcharacteristic of the mobile device.

In another example embodiment, a method of controlling fog or frost on amobile device involves: providing a programmed processor, one or moresensors and an energy transfer element that when activated removes fogor frost within the mobile device; the processor reading the one or moresensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog orfrost condition; the processor, upon detecting a fog or frost condition,activating the energy transfer element to remove fog or frost; and theprocessor, upon detecting an absence of the fog or frost condition,deactivating the energy transfer element.

In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensors is a temperaturesensor, and the processor determines that there is a fog or frostcondition if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔT over aprescribed period of time. In certain example embodiments, the processordetermines that a fog or frost condition has passed when the temperaturesensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperature T_Clear Incertain example embodiments, the value of ΔT is adjustable. In certainexample embodiments, the temperature sensor measures a temperature of awindow covering a display or an imaging optics system. In certainexample embodiments, the one or more sensors can include a sensor thatdirectly examines a surface of the mobile device to detect the presenceof fog or frost. In certain example embodiments, the sensor is anoptical sensor, and the processor determines that fog or frost ispresent by analysis of an image captured by the optical sensor. Incertain example embodiments, the sensor comprises an ultrasound sensor,and where the processor determines that fog or frost is present byanalysis of ultrasound signals that change in the presence of fog orfrost. In certain example embodiments, activating the energy transferelement comprises activating the heater element by less than 100%.

In another example embodiment, a mobile device has one or more sensorsthat are configured to detect the presence of fog or frost on a surfaceof the mobile device. A battery provides power to the mobile device. Anenergy transfer element which, when activated, removes fog or frost fromthe surface of the mobile device is provided. A programmed processor,within the mobile device, is programmed to: read one or more sensorsdisposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog or frostcondition; upon detecting a fog or frost condition, activating theheater element to remove fog or frost; and upon detecting an absence ofthe fog or frost condition, deactivating the energy transfer element.

In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensors includes atemperature sensor, and the processor determines that there is a fog orfrost condition if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔTover a prescribed period of time. In certain example embodiments, theprocessor determines that a fog or frost condition has passed when thetemperature sensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperatureT_Clear. In certain example embodiments, the value of ΔT is useradjustable. In certain example embodiments, the temperature sensormeasures a temperature of a window covering a display or an imagingoptics system. In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensorscan include a sensor that directly examines a surface of the mobiledevice to detect the presence of fog or frost. In certain exampleembodiments, the sensor can include an optical sensor, and where theprocessor determines that fog or frost is present by analysis of animage captured by the optical sensor. In certain example embodiments,the sensor can include an ultrasound sensor, and where the processordetermines that fog or frost is present by analysis of ultrasoundsignals that change in the presence of fog or frost. In certain exampleembodiments, the energy transfer element comprises a heater element andwhere activating the energy transfer element includes activating theheater element by less than 100%. In certain example embodiments,activation of the energy transfer element is determined by a state ofthe battery. In certain example embodiments, the surface comprises atleast one of a window covering a display of the mobile device, or awindow covering an imager of the mobile device.

In another example embodiment, a method of managing power in a batterypowered mobile device involves: determining a current state of thebattery by measuring a parameter indicative of the current state of thebattery; calculating a battery power factor as a function of theparameter; comparing the battery power factor to a threshold; when thebattery power factor exceeds the threshold, identifying a system orprocess within the mobile device whose power consumption can be reduced;and reducing the power consumption by altering or disabling the systemor process.

In certain example embodiments, the identifying is carried out on thebasis of an assigned priority of a plurality of systems or processes andselecting a lowest priority system or process that can be converted to alower power consumption state as the identified system or process. Incertain example embodiments, the determining comprises measuring abattery temperature, battery terminal voltage, and battery current draw.In certain example embodiments, the battery power factor is calculatedby: assigning a value to each of the current state of the batterytemperature as T; assigning a value to the terminal voltage as V;assigning a value to the current draw as I; and computing the batterypower factor as the sum of T, V and I. In certain example embodiments,the identified system or process comprises a heater element, and wherethe power consumption is reduced by either deactivating the heaterelement or causing the heater element to operate at less than 100% heatgeneration. In certain example embodiments, the method further involvesrepeating the determining, calculating, and comparing; identifying afurther system or process within the mobile device whose powerconsumption can be reduced; and further reducing the power consumptionby altering or disabling the further system or process.

In certain example embodiments, identifying a system and identifying afurther system are carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of aplurality of systems or processes and selecting a lowest priority systemor process that can be converted to a lower power consumption state asthe identified system or process and further identified system orprocess. In certain example embodiments, the method further involvesdetermining that the current battery factor is lower than a priorbattery factor by a prescribed amount; and upon determining that thecurrent battery factor is lower than the prior battery factor by theprescribed amount, selecting a system or process for restoration to ahigher power consumption state; and restoring the system or process to ahigher power consumption state. In certain example embodiments, theselecting is carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of aplurality of systems or processes and selecting a higher priority systemor process that can be converted to a higher power consumption state asthe selected system or process.

In another example embodiment, a battery powered mobile device has abattery and a battery monitoring circuit that measures one or moreparameters indicative of a current state of the battery. A plurality ofoperational systems and processes form a part of the mobile device. Aprogrammed processor is programmed to carry out a process that involves:determining a current state of the battery by receiving datarepresenting the one or more parameters from the battery monitoringcircuit indicative of the current state of the battery; calculating abattery power factor as a function of the parameter; comparing thebattery power factor to a threshold; when the battery power factorexceeds the threshold, identifying a system or process within the mobiledevice whose power consumption can be reduced; and reducing the powerconsumption by altering or disabling the identified system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the identifying is carried out by theprocessor on the basis of an assigned priority of the plurality ofsystems or processes and selecting a lowest priority system or processthat can be converted to a lower power consumption state as theidentified system or process. In certain example embodiments, thedetermining is carried out by the processor on the basis of a batterytemperature, battery terminal voltage, and battery current draw asmeasured by the battery monitor circuit. In certain example embodiments,the processor calculates the battery power factor by: assigning a valueto each of the current state of the battery temperature as T; assigninga value to the terminal voltage as V; assigning a value to the currentdraw as I; and computing the battery power factor as the sum of T, V andI. In certain example embodiments, the identified system or process is aheater element, and where the processor reduces the power consumption byeither deactivating the heater element or causing the heater element tooperate at less than 100% heat generation.

In certain example embodiments, the processor is further programmed to:repeat the determining, calculating, and comparing; identify a furthersystem or process within the mobile device whose power consumption canbe reduced; and further reduce the power consumption by altering ordisabling the further system or process. In certain example embodiments,identifying a system or process and identifying a further system orprocess are carried out by the processor on the basis of an assignedpriority of a plurality of systems or processes and selecting a lowestpriority system or process that can be converted to a lower powerconsumption state as the identified system or process and furtheridentified system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the processor is further programmed to:determine that the current battery factor is lower than a prior batteryfactor by a prescribed amount; and upon determining that the currentbattery factor is lower than the prior battery factor by the prescribedamount, select a system or process for restoration to a higher powerconsumption state; and restore the selected system or process to ahigher power consumption state. In certain example embodiments, theselecting is carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of aplurality of systems or processes and selecting a higher priority systemor process that can be converted to a higher power consumption state asthe selected system or process.

In a further example embodiment, a battery powered mobile device has abattery and a battery monitoring circuit that measures batterytemperature, battery terminal voltage and battery current draw as anindication of a current state of the battery. A plurality of operationalsystems and processes form a part of the mobile device. A storedpriority table tabulates an assigned priority of the plurality ofsystems or processes that can be converted to a lower power consumptionstate as the identified system or process. A programmed processor isprogrammed to carry out a process comprising: determining a currentstate of the battery by receiving data representing the batterytemperature, battery terminal voltage and battery current draw;calculating a battery power factor by assigning a value to the currentstate of the battery temperature as T, assigning a value to the terminalvoltage as V, assigning a value to the current draw as I, and computingthe battery power factor as the sum of T, V and I; comparing the batterypower factor to a threshold; when the battery power factor exceeds thethreshold, identifying a system or process within the mobile devicewhose power consumption can be reduced by reference to the prioritytable and selecting the lowest priority system or process that can beconverted to a lower power consumption state; and reducing the powerconsumption by altering or disabling the identified system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the processor is further programmed to:determine that the current battery factor is lower than a prior batteryfactor by a prescribed amount; and upon determining that the currentbattery factor is lower than the prior battery factor by the prescribedamount, select a system or process that is operating in a lower powerstate or disabled for restoration to a higher power consumption state;where the selecting is carried out by referring to the priority tableand selecting a highest priority system or process that can be convertedto a higher power consumption state as the selected system or process;and restore the selected highest priority system or process to thehigher power consumption state.

The foregoing summary is presented by way of example and illustration,and is not to be construed as limiting or restrictive in any sense. Theforegoing summary presents a conceptual prelude in relation to someexample features, functions, aspects and/or elements of embodiments ofthe present invention, and the manner in which the same may beimplemented or accomplished, which are further explained within thefollowing more detailed description of example embodiments and eachfigure (“FIG. ”) of the accompanying drawings referred to therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a first example view of a mobile device, according to anembodiment consistent with certain examples of the present invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a second example view of the mobile device, according toan embodiment consistent with certain examples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an example arrangement of various environments in whichthe mobile device may be operated, according to certain embodimentsconsistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart for an example control process for managingenergy usage by the mobile device, according to certain embodimentsconsistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts example components of the mobile device, according tocertain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an example network platform, according to certainembodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an example network platform, according to certainembodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an example network platform, according to certainembodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts example components of the mobile device, according tocertain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an example flow chart of a process consistent with certainexample embodiments consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is another example flow chart of a process consistent withcertain example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example flow of a process consistent with certain exampleembodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the present invention are described in relationto methods, mobile devices, and systems for managing energy usage by amobile device.

In certain example embodiments, an environmental characteristic ismonitored over environments in which the mobile device is operable. Alocation of the mobile device is tracked in relation to theenvironments. The mobile device is informed with data relating to theenvironmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobiledevice location is tracked. A characteristic of the mobile device issensed. The data, related to the environmental characteristic of thetracked location, is compared to the sensed mobile devicecharacteristic. An action is determined related to the energy-usingoperation of the mobile device based on the comparison. The energy-usingoperation of the mobile device is controlled, based on the determinedaction. Example embodiments of the present invention are also describedin relation to non-transitory computer-readable storage media, andvarious network platforms.

When hand held computers, such as mobile devices, travel from a coolenvironment to a warm environment the display screen/scanner windows mayfog and/or frost over. Energy transfer elements such as heater elementswithin a mobile device may be turned on whenever the mobile device goesinto a cold environment to prevent the windows from fogging or frostingover, but this uses battery power somewhat indiscriminately, and reduceoperational run times. Example embodiments of the present invention turnon the heater elements controllably, under conditions where a local dewpoint may be approached. Certain example embodiments use battery powercontrollably and under most conditions, may extend battery charges andtime between charges, and associated operational run times, whiledeterring the fogging and/or frosting of the windows.

In certain example embodiments, environment sensors are placed thatbroadcast the current temperature and humidity levels of a location inwhich the mobile device is tracked.

In certain example embodiments, environmental data can be downloadedthat constitute a local weather report.

In certain example embodiments, the information is transmitted directlyto the handheld device via a low power RF signal, such as like BluetoothLow Energy (BTLE), or via an Internet of Things (IOT).

In certain example embodiments consistent with the present invention,the sensor information is obtained by the mobile device using a networkassociated with a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)infrastructure. The information is sent via the HVAC networkinfrastructure (e.g., over a network associated therewith) to the mobiledevice or other handheld computer based on its location at the time.

Information can be obtained by the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)system which is instructing the user to move from one environment to theother.

The information is processed by the mobile device and used to computethe dew point temperature. The mobile device compares the dew pointtemperature to the case temperature and determines, accordingly, whetherenergizing the heater may be appropriate. Thus, example embodiments ofthe present invention are operable for deterring the accumulation of fogand/or frost on windows of the mobile device, while efficiently managingpower usage and extending operational run time.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method formanaging energy usage by a mobile device. An environmentalcharacteristic is monitored over at least two environments in which themobile device is operable. A location of the mobile device is tracked inrelation to the at least two environments. The mobile device isinformed, based on the tracking. The mobile device is informed with datarelating to the at least one environmental characteristic of theenvironment in which the mobile device is located. A characteristic ofthe mobile device is sensed. The data, related to the at least oneenvironmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobiledevice is located, is compared to the sensed characteristic of themobile device. An action is determined in relation to at least oneenergy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing ofthe environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile devicecharacteristic. The at least one energy-using operation of the mobiledevice is controlled, based on the determined action.

The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of atleast one component of the mobile device. The mobile device componentmay incorporate a heater element. The controlled operation relates tochanging an operating state of the heater element between an energizedstate and a deenergized state, or vice versa.

The monitored environmental characteristic may be, for example, anambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relativehumidity value, and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one ormore of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or thecomputed relative humidity value.

The sensing of the characteristic of the mobile device may measure atemperature of the mobile device. The determining of the action mayinvolve computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile devicecharacteristic and the monitored environmental characteristic. Theheater element may be energized upon the computed dew point at leastmeeting and/or exceeding a programmed value. The heater element may bedeenergized upon the programmed value exceeding the computed dew point.

The monitoring of the environmental characteristic may be performedcontinuously, repeatedly, or periodically. The tracking of the locationof the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments mayinvolve determining a position of the mobile device within a first ofthe at least two environments, and detecting a change in the position ofthe mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of thetwo environments. The method may further include, upon the detecting thechange in the position of the mobile device from within the first, tothe at least second of the two environments, repeating, in relation tothe at least second of the two environments, the informing, the sensing,the comparing, the determining, and the controlling.

Another example embodiment consistent with the present invention relatesto a mobile device operable for managing energy usage. The mobile devicehas an energy-using component. An operation of the energy-usingcomponent is controlled by a processor. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium stores instructions readable by theprocessor. The instructions are operable for causing, controlling, orprogramming the processor to perform a method related to the managing ofthe energy usage, the method may relate to any of the methods describedherein.

The energy-using component of the mobile device may be a heater element.The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of theheater element from an energized state to a deenergized state, or viceversa, from a deenergized state to an energized state. The changing ofthe operating state of the heater element may be based (at leastpartially) on the comparison of the monitored environmentalcharacteristic to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

The monitored at least one environmental characteristic may be anambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relativehumidity value and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one ormore of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or thecomputed relative humidity value.

The mobile device may further include a sensor operable for measuring atemperature or other environmental condition of the mobile device. Thesensed characteristic may be a temperature of the mobile device in oneembodiment. For example, the sensed mobile device characteristic may bethe temperature of the surface of the mobile device case, or theinternal space of the mobile device within the case, in which electroniccomponents of the mobile device are disposed. The determining of theaction may involve computing a dew point based on the sensed mobiledevice characteristic and the monitored at least one environmentalcharacteristic.

The mobile device further includes at least one network interfaceoperable for exchanging data signals with the processor, and with anetwork. The data signals relate to the monitoring of at least oneenvironmental characteristic of at least two environments in which themobile device is operable, the tracking of the location of the mobiledevice in relation to the at least two environments, and/or theinforming of the mobile device with the data relating to the at leastone environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobiledevice is located.

The case of the mobile device is disposed about a plurality of,components (e.g., electronic components), which are encased therein,e.g., protectively from environmental conditions and elements in thelocation in which the mobile device is disposed and/or operated. Themobile device may also include one or more optically transparent windowdisposed within the case. The energy-using component of certainembodiments is operable for deterring one or more of a fog condensationor a frost deposit upon the optically transparent window. Opticsdisposed within the case and beneath the windows may thus be maintainedclear of fog and/or frost during operations of the mobile device. Themobile device may also include an image sensor such as a video graphicsarray (VGA), as well as a camera and/or a scanner. The operations of theheater promote undeterred operations of the image sensor, the camera, orthe scanner, by deterring the accumulation of fog and/or frost on anouter surface of the windows.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system,operable over a network platform, for managing energy usage by a mobiledevice. Example embodiments of the present invention relate to variousnetwork platforms, over which a system is operable for managing a usageof energy by a mobile device. The example system may include a networkoperable for communicating data signals. Example embodiments may beimplemented in which the network is implemented as a Bluetooth™ orBluetooth Low Energy™ (BTLE) related network, a network related to aHVAC system, and/or an Internet-of-Things (IOT) related internetwork.

A first sensor is disposed in a first environment. The first environmenthas an associated first characteristic, such as an ambient temperature.The first sensor is operable for sensing the first characteristic, andfor communicating data signals relating thereto over the network. Asecond sensor is disposed in at least a second environment. The at leastsecond environment has an associated second characteristic, such as anambient temperature. The second sensor is operable for sensing thesecond characteristic, and for communicating data signals relatingthereto over the network.

The characteristic of the at least second environment is independent inrelation to the characteristic of the at least second environment. Thus,the ambient temperature characteristic of the second environment mayequal or exceed the ambient temperature of the first environment. Theambient temperature characteristic of the first environment may,alternatively, exceed the ambient temperature of the first environment.

At least one mobile device is operable in the first environment, as wellas in the at least second environment, for communicating data signalsover the network in relation to the sensed first characteristic, and thesensed second characteristic. The mobile device has an energy-usingcomponent, such as a heater. The heater component is operable under acontrol of a processor. The processor is operable for controlling anoperation of the energy-using component.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device has at least onenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as memory, and/orstorage components. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediastores instructions readable by the processor and operable for causing,controlling, or programming the processor to perform any of the methodsrelated to the managing of the energy usage as described herein.

FIG. 1A depicts a first example view ‘A’ of a mobile device 100,according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device100 may include a portable data terminal (PDT), a hand held computersuch as a “smart phone” or other cellular radiotelephone configuration,a tablet style computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portableterminal, etc. The mobile device 100 may include other portablecomputers, such as laptop style computers, or computers configured asanother readily portable configuration.

The mobile device 100 is housed in a case 103, which encloses andencases a plurality of electronic components disposed within the case103. The mobile device 100 has a display 101, such as a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) device, operable for rendering visible information over asurface of a viewing screen of the LCD. The surface of the viewingscreen of the LCD 101 may be covered by an optically transparent window102, which is disposed within the case 103. The LCD 101 may also operateas a touchpad.

The first view of FIG. 1A may correspond to a presentation of a “front”of the mobile device 100. FIG. 1B depicts a second example view ‘B’ ofthe mobile device 100, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The second view of FIG. 1B may correspond to a presentationof a “rear” of the mobile device 100, which is disposed opposite to thefront. The mobile device 100 may have an array of passive optics 105,such as a lens or optical stack of lenses.

The passive optics array 105 functions to gather light in relation tooperations of the mobile device 100. Such functions may include scanningof graphic media targets, photography, and/or videography, which areassociated with capturing visual information from the gathered light.The surface of the passive optics 105 is covered by an opticallytransparent window 106, which is disposed within the case 103.

FIG. 2 depicts an example operational platform 200, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 is operableover locations disposed throughout a plurality of environments, whichhave at least a first environment and at least a second environment. Thefirst environment in this example is shown disposed within a spatialenvelope 210. The at least second environment is disposed within asecond spatial envelope 220. For example, the second environmentdisposed within the corresponding envelope 220 may include an indooroperational environment of the mobile device 100. The first environmentdisposed within the corresponding envelope 210, and outside of theenvelope 220 may include an outdoor operational milieu of the mobiledevice 100.

For purposes of example and illustration, the second environment andcorresponding spatial envelope 220 is shown in FIG. 2 as disposed withinthe first environment and corresponding spatial envelope 210. It shouldbe understood, however, that this depicted example illustration is notmeant to be limiting or restrictive in any way. On the contrary, itshould be understood that example embodiments may relate to the secondenvironment disposed within, overlapping partially with, or be disposedoutside of the first environment.

The location of the mobile device 100 may be tracked, e.g., usingoperations related to a geopositioning mechanism. The tracking of thelocation of the mobile device 100 involves determining a positionthereof in relation to the first environment, and/or the secondenvironment. Any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, GPSpositioning and other location positioning using WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC orother signal strength metrics and triangulation can be used to establishthe location of mobile device 100 with respect to the two or moreenvironments.

The example mobile device 100 is operable for exchanging data signalsover one or more networks 230. A location tracking computer 233 isoperable for exchanging data signals over the network(s) (“network”)230. The tracking of the location of the mobile device 100 may involveexchanging signals with the location tracking computer 233 over thenetwork 230.

A sensor 211 is disposed within the first environment. The sensor 211 isoperable for sensing a characteristic, such as an ambient temperature ofthe first environment, and for exchanging corresponding data signalsover the network 230 with an environmental monitoring and/or controlcomputer 235. A sensor 212 is disposed within the second environment.The sensor 212 is operable for sensing a characteristic of the secondenvironment, and for exchanging corresponding data signals over thenetwork 230 with the environmental monitoring/control computer 235.

In one embodiment the local server 235 may download the local weatherreport from the Internet or other source of local weather in order toobtain environmental information related to one of the environments(e.g., if one environment is outdoors). This weather will include datafor the current dew point, or will include data from which a current dewpoint can be determined. This dew point number can be used sent to themobile device 100 network 230. The device temperature as measured by thedevice can then be used to determine if the dew point has been crossedand this data used to turn on the heater.

As the mobile device 100 operates within the first environment, itslocation therein is tracked and it is informed with data related tooperations of the sensor 211. Location changes corresponding to movementof the mobile device 100 are tracked, including movement between a firstposition within the first environment, and a subsequent position withinthe second environment (and/or vice versa). As the mobile device 100operates within the second environment, its location therein is trackedand it is informed with data related to operations of the sensor 212.Example embodiments may be implemented in which the informing of themobile device 100 in relation to the sensors is provided with datasignals communicated over the network 230 from the monitoring/controlcomputer 235, or from the sensors themselves.

For example, the network 230 may be operable for exchanging signals withthe sensors over a radio frequency (RF) channel. The channel may be, forexample, a Bluetooth channel, operable within an ‘Instrumentation,Scientific and Medical’ (ISM) band of the RF spectrum from approximately2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) to approx. 2.485 GHz, inclusive. The Bluetoothchannel may be operable using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), which mayalso be referred to as “Bluetooth Smart.”

The network 230 may also include a portion of an ‘Internet of Things’(IOT) related internetwork. The example mobile device 100 may beoperable for exchanging the environmentally related data signals witheach of the sensor 211 and the sensor 222 “directly” (e.g., independentof the monitoring/control computer 235) over the network 230, via theBTLE channel and/or the IOT “net.”

The mobile device 100 is operable for sensing a characteristic, such asits own temperature on or within the case 103. The mobile device 100performs operations such as energizing or de-energizing a heater 144disposed within or about the case 103. The energy-using operation may beperformed upon computing that its sensed condition, relative to theenvironmental characteristics of its location, may result in reducedoptical clarity and/or transparency of the window 102 and/or the window106.

For example, the ambient temperature of the first environment (e.g.,outdoors) may be significantly lower than the ambient temperature of thesecond environment (e.g., indoors). As the mobile device 100 is used inthe first environment, its own temperature assumes, or at leastapproaches the relatively cool ambient temperature of the firstenvironment. The location of the mobile device 100 is tracked as itmoves from the first environment indoors, into the relatively warmersecond environment.

The mobile device 100 is informed as to the warmer temperature of thesecond environment, yet the cooler temperature sensed in relation to itscase (or the space enclosed therewith) may persist for a duration oftime before it warms up to the ambient temperature of the secondenvironment. During this time, a dew point associated with thetemperature of the case 103, relative to the warmer ambient temperatureof the second environment, may be reached or exceeded.

The mobile device 100 may thus energize the heater, which heats thewindow 102 and/or the window 106. The heating of the windows 102 and 106deters formation of fog or frost accumulation on the surface of windowsto promote continued clear transparency thereof. Moreover, the heatersare maintained in a deenergized state until the local dew point isreached or exceeded. The energized heaters may also be deenergized, uponthe local characteristics changing to conditions below thosecorresponding to reaching the dew point.

Embodiments of the present invention thus function to manage the energyusage of the mobile device 100, in which the consumption of batterypower by the heaters is minimized, the duration of a given batterycharge is extended, along with the corresponding time until a rechargebecomes appropriate. Example embodiments of the present invention thusrelate to a method for managing energy usage by a mobile device.

An example embodiment of the present invention further relates to amethod for managing energy usage by a mobile device. FIG. 3 depicts aflowchart for an example process 30 for displaying an image, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

At 31, an environmental characteristic is monitored over at least twoenvironments in which the mobile device is operable.

At 32, a location of the mobile device is tracked in relation to the atleast two environments.

At 33, the mobile device is informed, based on the tracking. The mobiledevice is informed with data relating to the at least one environmentalcharacteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located.

At 34, a characteristic of the mobile device is sensed.

The data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic ofthe environment in which the mobile device is located, are compared, at35, to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

At 36, an action is determined in relation to at least one energy-usingoperation of the mobile device based on the comparing of theenvironmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile devicecharacteristic.

At 37, the at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device iscontrolled, based on the determined action.

The controlled operation 37 relates to changing an operating state of atleast one component of the mobile device. The example mobile devicecomponent may include a heater element 144. The controlled operationrelates to changing an operating state of the heater element between anenergized state and a deenergized state, or vice versa, or alternativelya variable level of heating somewhere between energized and deenergized.

The monitored environmental characteristic 31 may be an ambienttemperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relative humidityvalue, and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one or more ofthe ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or the computedrelative humidity value.

The sensing 34 of the characteristic of the mobile device may includemeasuring a temperature of the mobile device. The determining of theaction 36 may include computing a dew point based on the sensed mobiledevice characteristic and the monitored environmental characteristic.The heater element may be energized upon the computed dew point at leastmeeting and/or exceeding a programmed value. The heater element may bedeenergized upon the programmed value exceeding the computed dew point.

The monitoring 31 of the environmental characteristic may be performedcontinuously, repeatedly, or periodically. The tracking 32 of thelocation of the mobile device in relation to the at least twoenvironments may include determining a position of the mobile devicewithin a first of the at least two environments, and detecting a changein the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the atleast second of the two environments. The method 30 further involves,upon the detecting the change in the position of the mobile device fromwithin the first, to the at least second of the two environments,repeating, in relation to the at least second of the two environments,the informing 33, the sensing 34, the comparing 35, the determining 36,and the controlling 37.

The energy management method 30 may include a process performed inrelation to operations associated with a mobile device. Exampleembodiments may thus relate to mobile devices operable for managingenergy usage.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to the mobiledevice 100. FIG. 4 depicts example components of the mobile device 100,according to an embodiment consistent with the present invention.

The mobile device 100 is operable for managing energy usage. The mobiledevice 100 includes an energy-using component, such as a heater element144 or other element that deters or removes fog or frost. An operationof the energy-using component 144 is controlled by one or moreprocessors 111. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storesinstructions readable by the processor(s) 111.

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be realized asone or more memories 112 and/or storage components 113. The memories(“memory”) 112 may include dynamic memory, such as random access memory(RAM). The memory 112 may also include static memory, such as read-onlymemory (ROM). The memory 112 may also include memory cells, caches,buffers, latches, and/or registers, operable with the processor(s) 111.

The storage component(s) 113 may include an electromagnetic disk drive,optical disk media, and/or electronic ‘flash’ media or the like.Temporary or “virtual” memory may be operable with the disk drivesand/or flash media. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediastores instructions and/or data readable by the processor, and operablefor causing, controlling, or programming the processor to perform aprocess related to the managing of the energy usage. The energymanagement method may relate to the method 30, described herein (FIG.3). An example embodiment of the present invention relates to thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing theinstructions.

The energy-using component 144 of the mobile device 100 may be a heaterelement. The controlled operation relates to changing an operating stateof the heater element from an energized state to a deenergized state, orvice versa, from a deenergized state to an energized state. The changingof the operating state of the heater element may be based (at leastpartially) on the comparison of the monitored environmentalcharacteristic to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

The monitored at least one environmental characteristic may be anambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relativehumidity value and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one ormore of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or thecomputed relative humidity value.

The mobile device 100 may also include a sensor 119. The sensor 119 isoperable for measuring a temperature of the mobile device in accord withthe current example embodiment (but element 119 can represent anyconfiguration of one or more sensors consistent with the presentteachings). The sensed characteristic in this example may be atemperature of the mobile device. For example, the sensed mobile device100 characteristic may be the temperature of the surface of the mobiledevice case 103, or the internal space of the mobile device within thecase 103, in which electronic components of the mobile device 100 aredisposed. The determining of the action may include computing a dewpoint based on the sensed mobile device 100 characteristic and themonitored at least one environmental characteristic.

The mobile device 100 may further include one or more network interfaces118. The network interface(s) is (are) operable for exchanging datasignals with the processor 111, and with a network (e.g., network 230;FIG. 2). The data signals relate to the monitoring of at least oneenvironmental characteristic of at least two environments in which themobile device 100 is operable.

The mobile device 100 also includes a positioning component(“positioner”) 117. The positioner 117 is operable in relation to thetracking of the location of the mobile device 100 in relation to the atleast two environments. The tracking of the mobile device 100 locationmay relate to a geopositioning operation. The geopositioning operationmay relate to computing the location based on exchanging locationrelated signals with a geopositioning satellite constellation, such asthe Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, or the like, and/or withknown geostationary radio signal sources, such as cellular telephonetowers, and the like. The network interface 118 is operable, further, inrelation to the exchange of the locational data signals with thenetwork.

The network interface 118 is operable, further, for exchanging signalswith the network in relation to the at least one environmentalcharacteristic of the environment in which the mobile device 100 islocated.

The case 103 of the mobile device 100 is disposed about a plurality of,components (e.g., electronic components), which are encased therein,e.g., protectively from environmental conditions and elements in thelocation in which the mobile device 100 is disposed and/or operated. Themobile device 100 has a data bus 110, operable for exchanging datasignals between the electronic components.

A sensor component 119 is coupled to the bus 110 and operable forproviding data signals corresponding to a characteristic, such as thelocal temperature, of the mobile device, e.g., within the case 103, oron at least a portion of a surface thereof.

The example mobile device 100 further includes a display 101. In certainembodiments, the display 101 serves as both a display and a touch panelfor accepting user input. An example embodiment may be implemented inwhich the display 101 may be realized as a liquid crystal display (LCD)device, operable for rendering visible information over a surface of aviewing screen of the LCD. The visible information may include agraphical user interface (GUI) 133. The GUI 133 may be operable for therendering of the visual information interactively, and for receivinghaptically entered user inputs entered therewith. The surface of theviewing screen of the LCD 101 is covered, transparently, with theoptically transparent window 102.

The example mobile device 100 incorporates an array of passive opticssuch as 105 of FIG. 1B. The passive optics 105 may be a lens, or opticalstack of a plurality of lenses and other passive optical components orprotective transparent window. The passive optics array 105 functions togather light in relation to operations of the mobile device 100. Suchfunctions may include scanning of graphic media targets, photography,and/or videography, which are associated with capturing visualinformation from the gathered light. The surface of the passive optics105 is covered by the optically transparent window 106.

The light gathered by the passive optics 105 may be supplied, optically,to an imaging component (“imager”) 116. The imager 116 may include anarray of optoelectronic devices. The active optoelectronic devices mayinclude an array of photosensitive devices (photosensors) operable fordetecting an image. The photosensors may include a charge coupled device(CCD), complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), photodiode (PD),charge-injection device (CID), charge modulation device (CMD), P-channelor N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)device, or an array of the devices, such as a video graphics array(VGA). The devices of the array may include a plurality (“two or more”)of the CCD, CMOS, PD, CID, CMD, P-channel MOSFET (PMOS), or N-channelMOSFET (NMOS) devices.

Image data generated by the imager 116 in response to the gathered lightmay be supplied, over the data bus 110, to a camera 115. The camera 115is operable in relation to the photography, and/or videographyoperations of the mobile device 100.

Image data generated by the imager 116 in response to the gathered lightmay be supplied, over the data bus 110, to a scanner 114. The camera 115and the scanner 114 may be operable in relation to scanning operationscarried out by the mobile device 100. For example, the scanner 114 maybe operable for reading data associated with graphic scan targets. Thegraphic scan targets may include, for example, one dimensional (1D) barcodes, and/or two or three dimensional (2D) graphic data patterns, suchas Han Xin codes and ‘Quick Response’ (QR) codes.

The heater or other energy-using component 144 is operable for deterringone or more of a fog condensation or a frost deposit upon the opticallytransparent window 102 and the window 106. Optics disposed within thecase and beneath the windows may thus be maintained clear of fog and/orfrost during operations of the mobile device. The operations of themobile device 100 in relation to the operation of the imager 116, thecamera 115, and/or scanner 114 may thus proceed, undeterred, in eitherenvironment. The operations of the heater 144 promote undeterredoperations of the image sensor, the camera, and the scanner, bydeterring the accumulation of fog and/or frost on an outer surface ofthe windows 102 and 106.

The electronic components of the mobile device 100, and the, e.g.,electrical, energy-using component 144 are energized by a battery 145.The battery 145 is an electrochemically operable source of electricalpower to energize the mobile device 100 components. The battery 145 maybe charged and re-charged from an external source of electrical power,such as a battery charger, via a charging port 149. The charging port149 may be operable for connecting the battery 145 to the batterycharger by wireline based conductors, or wirelessly from inductiveand/or capacitive charging sources.

Embodiments consistent with the present invention function to manage theenergy usage of the mobile device 100, in which the consumption of powerfrom the battery 145 by the heaters 145 is minimized, the duration of agiven charge of the battery 145 is extended, along with thecorresponding time until a recharge becomes appropriate. Exampleembodiments of the present invention thus relate to methods for managingenergy usage by the mobile device 100.

In an example embodiment, the mobile device 100 includes a controller141. The controller 141 is operable for exchanging data signals with theprocessor 111 via the data bus 110. The signals exchanged between thecontroller 141 and the processor 141 relate to the controlling of theenergy-using component 144.

The mobile device may further incorporate a switch component 142 orother control component. Based on the signals exchanged with theprocessor 111, the controller 141 is operable for changing aconductivity state of the switch 142. For example, the controller 141may triggering the switch 142 to change from a non-conductive state to ahigh-conductance state, and thus allow power to flow from the batter 145to the energy-using component 142. The controller 141 may also (oralternatively) cause the switch 142 to change from a high conductancestate to a non-conducting state, thus stopping or impeding the flow ofpower from the battery 145 to the energy-using component 144. In otherexample embodiments, the element 142 may also vary the current to heater144 by modulating, current limiting or otherwise reducing the averagecurrent supplied to the energy-using component 144. An exampleembodiment may be implemented in which the switch 142 is implemented asan array of power MOSFET devices, triggered controllably by thecontroller 141.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system,operable over a network platform, for managing energy usage by a mobiledevice. Example embodiments of the present invention relate to variousnetwork platforms, over which a system is operable for managing a usageof energy by a mobile device. The system includes a network operable forcommunicating data signals. Example embodiments may be implemented inwhich the network is a BTLE related network, a network related to a HVACsystem, and/or an IOT related internetwork.

FIG. 5 depicts an example network platform 50, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 receives datasignals from the sensor 211 in relation to the environmentalcharacteristic of the first environment, within the correspondingenvelope 210. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from thesensor 222 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the secondenvironment, within the corresponding envelope 220.

Upon the example network platform 50, the mobile device 100 receives thedata signals from the sensor 211, directly, over the BTLE channel 51.Upon the example network platform 50, the mobile device 100 receives thedata signals from the sensor 222, directly, over the BTLE channel 52.

FIG. 6 depicts an example network platform 60, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 receives datasignals from the sensor 211 in relation to the environmentalcharacteristic of the first environment, within the correspondingenvelope 210. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from thesensor 222 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the secondenvironment, within the corresponding envelope 220.

Upon the example network platform 60, the mobile device 100 receives thedata signals from the sensor 211, via a control server 615, associatedwith a first HVAC sub-network (“subnet”) 61. Upon the example networkplatform 60, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from thesensor 222, via a control server 625, associated with a second HVACsubnet 62. The subnet 61 and the subnet 62 may include portions of thenetwork 230 (FIG. 2), the Internet, etc.

FIG. 7 depicts an example network platform 70, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The network platform 70 includesthe IOT 77. The example mobile device 100 receives data signals from thesensor 211 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the firstenvironment, within the corresponding envelope 210. Upon the examplenetwork platform 70, the mobile device 100 receives the data signalsfrom the sensor 211 over the IOT 77. The mobile device 100 receives datasignals from the sensor 222 in relation to the environmentalcharacteristic of the second environment, within the correspondingenvelope 220. Upon the example network platform 70, the mobile device100 receives the data signals from the sensor 222 over the IOT 77. TheIOT may include a portion of the network 230 (FIG. 2), the Internet,etc.

In the embodiments described above, environmental and location data areused to determine that the example mobile device 100 is situated in anenvironment in which fogging or frosting may occur. This information isthen used to control a heater so as to address this potential forfogging or frosting.

In another example embodiment the sensor(s) 119, rather than or inaddition to being a temperature sensor for example, may include afog/frost sensor that detects actual fogging or frosting of componentsassociated with the display 101 or other components. In one example, achange in temperature may be used to deduce that there is a likelihoodof fog or frost on a surface (e.g., the display window), while inanother example sensors 119 detect the actual presence of fog or frost.In this embodiment ambient environmental information as well asavailable power capabilities may be used to control the heater elements.This intelligent control maximizes run time while addressing fogging andfrosting in these environments.

In one example embodiment, the system utilizes thermal monitoring of thescreen window 102 and/or imager window 106 to recognize when a cold towarm transition has occurred. One embodiment of this temperature monitorutilizes an infrared (IR) temp sensor monitoring the cover glass of thedisplay for example. In another embodiment the sensor could be anoptical or ultrasound sensor to determined fog or frost has formed onthe surface. The heater elements can then be used selectively to assureminimal power consumption.

The processor may also monitor the battery temperature and remainingbattery capacity. The processor uses this information to determine howmuch power is available from the battery. Under ideal power andtemperature conditions the heater can be run at maximum power speedingup the defogging process. But, when the battery temperature and orbattery capacity levels are low, the control circuits can decrease thepower applied to the heater element, providing some level of defoggingcapability without causing the system to power down due to low voltage.

Referring to FIG. 8, the example mobile device 100 incorporates a sensor119 which may be a temperature sensor such as an IR temperature sensorthat directly measures the temperature of the window 102 (FIG. 1) or thetemperature of the passive optics 105 and/or transparent window 106 orany other component that may be subject to fogging or frosting. Thetemperature of, for example, the window 102 can be monitored over timeand when a large enough temperature change over a short time periodoccurs such that the window 102 is subject to fogging or frosting, theheater 144 can be activated. When the condition in which the fogging orfrosting is likely to occur has passed, the heater can be deactivated.The charge state and other measurements associated with the battery maybe obtained from a battery monitoring circuit 202 so as to establishother conditions governing use of the heater. Such battery monitoringcircuits are commercially available and are often referred to as a“battery fuel gauge” or the like and are commonly integrated intobattery packs to provide information about the battery. The batterymonitoring circuit will be discussed in greater detail later.

FIG. 9 is an example of one process consistent with this embodimentstarting at 204. In this example, the temperature of a surface such aswindow 102 or 106 is monitored by sensor 119 and this temperature issaved as T_Last. The process waits for a prescribed period of time(e.g., two seconds) at 208 and then moves to 210 where the temperatureof the same surface is measured again. This new measurement isreferenced herein as T_Current. At 212, T_Current is compared to T_Last(the previous measurement) to determine if there has been a change, howmuch the change is and if the temperature increased or decreased. Withthis information the processor(s) 111 can determine if the conditionsare likely to produce a fog or frost condition on the window at 214.

In this example, if a fog or frost condition is established at 214, theheater 144 can be activated at 216. As will be discussed later, theactivation of the heater may be further subject to other conditions suchas the state of charge of the battery and temperature thereof. Moreover,the heater may be activated to less than 100% of its capacity in orderto preserve battery charge or minimize peak power drain under somecircumstances. But for the present embodiment, the heater is activatedat 216 and the value of T_Last is changed to the most recent measurementT_Current at 220. The process then proceeds to 208 and repeats.

In the event the processor 111 determines at 214 that no frost or fogcondition exists, the heater can be deactivated at 224.

In this example, a fog or frost condition may be deemed to exist if, forexample, the temperature changes by for example a rise in temperature ofΔT=3° C. in two seconds as might occur if the device 100 is taken from awalk-in freezer to a heated space or outdoors, or taken from outdoors infreezing conditions to a heated interior. (However, the actualtemperature change over time should likely be calibrated for aparticular device and set of anticipated environmental circumstances.)Under these circumstances the heater can be activated for a period oftime that will serve to prevent or remove fog or frost. In oneembodiment, the process 214 determines if a fog or frost condition haspassed by determining that the window has reached a prescribedtemperature associated with a likelihood of the fog or frost beingcleared T_Clear of, for example, 25° C.

The occurrence of fog or frost can vary greatly depending upon humidityas well as temperature change. In the present embodiment, the amount oftemperature change that signifies that a fog or frost condition mightoccur varies with the environment. So, for example, a temperatureincrease of 10° C. over the course of a few seconds might cause foggingin a high humidity environment such as in tropical South Florida. But, asimilar temperature change in a low humidity environment such as theArizona desert may require a much larger temperature swing to inducefog. Accordingly, it is desirable for the sensitivity of the temperaturechange measurement to be adjustable by the user or other entity thatconfigures the mobile device 100.

In the example provided, only one pair of temperature measurements areused at a time to carry out the process. However, those skilled in theart will appreciate upon consideration of the present teachings that aplurality of measurements over a longer span of time may be used tobetter characterize the temperature changes and provide a more optimalprocess. Furthermore, it is noted that it is desirable to incorporate alevel of hysteresis into the process to assure that the system does notbecome unstable.

In another example embodiment, the actual presence of fog or frost onwindow 102 or 106 can be used to determine that the heater 144 should beactivated or deactivated. In this example embodiment, example mobiledevice 100 incorporates a sensor as sensor(s) 119 which is capable ofexamining the window 102 and/or 106 (or other surface susceptible to fogor frost) for the presence of fog or frost. A number of different typesof sensors can be utilized to detect fog or frost including, but notlimited to, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors,etc. In one example embodiment, such detection can be done optically byuse of an optical sensor as sensor 119. Advantageously, the window 106may cover a suitable optical sensor for examination of the window 106for frost or fog. A second sensor can be provided for window 102 or thesystem can rely upon a single sensor as an indicator that there is a fogor frost problem.

In this example embodiment, the visible/optical characteristics of thewindow when in a frosted or fogged condition are characterized.Generally, during a full fog or frost, the window will be white with fewvisible color or brightness transitions. Moreover, images beyond thewindow are not visible. When such an image is recognized by processor(s)111, the window is deemed to be fogged or frosted. The fogging orfrosting process may be detected as it is happening if substantialportions of the window exhibit fog or frost properties and in particularif the portion of the window exhibiting fog or frost properties israpidly increasing in area. When the fogging or frosting is beingremoved by heater 144, the amount of white area in the image willdiminish until the system can deem that the process for removal of thefog or frost is complete. In order to preserve battery charge further,the heater 144 may be activated by less than 100% of its full heatingcapacity (e.g., 50%).

In another embodiment, an ultrasound sensor can be utilized as sensor119. Fog or frost can be detected using a continuously vibratingultrasound sensor diaphragm which is forced into oscillation at itsresonant or natural frequency by a piezoelectric material. In thisexample, the diaphragm is exposed to the environment outside the case ofdevice 100. The piezoelectric material is driven by an electronicoscillator. The resonant frequency is ultrasonic (above 70 kHz) and themaximum oscillation amplitude is very small (under 1 micrometer) so thateffectively there are no moving parts. When frost is deposited on thesensor diaphragm, it increases the stiffness and mass of the diaphragm,hence increasing the natural resonant frequency. Water or liquidcontaminants increase the sensor diaphragm mass without increasing thestiffness thus decreasing the natural frequency. Thus, a change in thenatural resonant frequency of the ultrasound sensor is indicative of adeposit of frost or fog onto the sensor.

In another example embodiment, a pulse-amplitude technique can be used.A piezoelectric ceramic crystal (PCC) acts as a transmitter and launchesan ultrasonic pulse through a delay line to the surface being monitored.After initial excitation, the PCC acts as a receiver and detects an echoreturning from the surface. The delay line guarantees that the PCC hasrecovered from the initial excitation before it receives the returningecho. When an air interface is present at the surface being measured(i.e., no frost) a maximum amount of energy is reflected. When frost ispresent, approximately 30 percent of the transmitted ultrasonic energypropagates in the ice, thus reducing the level of the reflected signalthe PCC receives. This level reduction provides an indication of thepresence of thin ice layers (frost). Once the ice has exceeded thethreshold thickness, the sensor continues to detect the presence of ice.The presence of fog also affects the reflected energy. Detection of thechanges caused by fog can also be characterized and used as anindication that a heating element should be activated.

In another embodiment, a pulse-echo technique can be used. In thistechnique, there are two PCC's. One acts as a pulse transmitter, and theother acts as a pulse echo receiver. A high-frequency excitation signalis sent to the first PCC, which transmits an acoustic pulse toward thesensing surface. Either the sensing face or the surface of the frost,when frost is present, reflects the acoustic pulse. The second PCCreceives the returning echo. The processor measures the transit timebetween excitation and receipt of the returning echo, therebydetermining the amount of accumulated ice (frost). The presence of fogalso affects this transit time and can be characterized for a particulardevice to determine that fog is present.

Hence, in the present embodiment the sensor 119 detects the actualpresence of fog or frost on a surface such as the display window 102 andthis detection is used to control the heater 144 as depicted in theexample flow chart of FIG. 10 starting at 240. While optical andultrasound techniques are described above, other sensing operationsmight also be used to sense the presence of fog or frost (e.g.,conductivity, reflectivity, etc.) At 242 the sensor is read to obtaindata that is analyzed at 244 to determine if a fog or frost conditionexists. If so, the heater 144 is activated at 246 until the fog/frostcondition is gone at 244. Once the sensor data indicates that there isno longer a fog or frost condition at 244, the heater can be deactivatedat 250.

In this example, if a fog or frost condition is established at 244, theheater 144 can be activated at 246. As will be discussed later, theactivation of the heater may be further subject to other conditions suchas the state of charge of the battery and temperature thereof.

Furthermore, it is noted that in all embodiments it is desirable toincorporate a level of hysteresis into the process of turning the heateron and off to assure that the system does not become unstable.

It should be apparent from the discussion above, the power consumed by aheater element in combating fog and frost can be substantial in somesituations for a mobile device 100 and can result in decreased timebetween charges and shorter run time. However, it may be desirable tomanage power consumption not only for a display heater element or thelike but additionally for any number of other systems that consume powerwithin a mobile device 100. In the device shown in FIG. 8, for example,in addition to the heater (energy-using component) 144, there are anumber of other systems that can consume significant amounts of batterypower. Some of these systems use power in bursts while others mayconsume a relatively consistent amount of power. For example, scanner114 and camera 115 may only consume significant power when used. Thedisplay 101 when active, may consume considerable power forbacklighting. The processor 111 may operate at multiple processor(s)speeds so that the power consumed can be limited at the expense ofperformance.

The mobile device 100 may also incorporate multiple radio interfacesincluding Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 compatible interface, WAN interface andnear field communications interface. Depending upon the primary functionof device 100, these interfaces may or may not be required to be activeat all times. Moreover, such systems normally consume more power whentransmitting than when receiving or standing by. Transmission can oftenbe postponed for short periods without serious impact on thefunctionality of the device.

When the mobile device consumes high amounts of peak power during normaloperation, such peak power events can cause the mobile device 100 tosuspend or shut down even though there may be substantial battery powerremaining. In some devices, a peak power event can cause the device toshut down when there is 30% or more capacity left in the battery. Thisearly shut down generally forces the user to interrupt his normalactivities to change the battery pack or recharge the battery before theday's work is completed.

In order to more fully take advantage of battery capacity, in certainembodiments consistent with the present invention the system recognizesfactors that can cause early power down events. Power managementdirected toward the specific systems or processes in the mobile device100 can be used to reduce or ameliorate peak power events that couldresult in early shut down of the device. In certain embodiments, thispower management allows the user to utilize more of the battery'scapacity and improve run time.

Referring back to FIG. 8, the battery monitor 202 is implemented usingany suitable battery monitoring circuit (discrete or integrated). Suchcircuits can commonly report a great deal of information regarding thebattery pack including temperature, voltage, discharge data thatcharacterizes the battery's discharge curve, and data logging functions.The battery monitor 202 reports the data relating to the battery to theprocessor 111 via data bus 110 in this example. Temperature can bemeasured using a thermistor that is incorporated into the circuit whileterminal voltage can be measured directly at the battery terminals.Instantaneous current draw can be measured by detecting the voltageacross a very small resistance in series with the battery andcalculating the current using Ohm's law.

In accord with certain embodiments, the processor 101 receives orretrieves data that reports the battery's average temperature, terminalvoltage, and current draw to create a battery power factor (referred toherein as BATT_PWR_FACTOR) that may be used to recognize power states inwhich the computer can cause an early power down event. The processorthen controls the device's power consumption by use of a prioritizationof the functions and systems operating on the device that can bedisabled or scaled back.

In certain embodiments, each sub-system or process within the device 100can be assigned one or more priorities associated with its operationalstate. The processor 101 looks at the priority assigned to of eachindividual device and reduces the power level of the lowest prioritydevices in accord with a power management arrangement. BATT_PWR_FACTORcan then be re-checked to determine if additional devices or systemsshould be powered down or power reduced. This process proceeds until atarget power consumption is reached. The power consumption can therebydynamically adapt the power level to increase the useful battery lifebased on present conditions.

A process for carrying out a power management function is depicted inFIG. 11 in flow chart form starting at 304.

In accord with the present teachings, the priorities for various systemsand processes that can be managed may be stored in a look-up tablestored in memory 112 or storage 113. An example priority table isdepicted as TABLE 1. Additionally, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR can be determinedfrom data reported by battery monitor 202 for voltage, current andtemperature. In this example embodiment, a battery power factorBATT_PWR_FACTOR can be computed from the voltage, current, andtemperature data as shown in TABLE 2.

TABLE 1 as depicted below provides a priority list with a numericaldesignation of priority. In the example shown, the lower the prioritynumber in this example, the lower the priority of a particular system orprocess. As the process of FIG. 11 describes, when the BATT_PWR_FACTORexceeds a threshold, systems or processes can be controlled to reducetheir respective power consumption until the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is reducedto a prescribed value. In this manner, the peak power consumption can bemanaged.

TABLE 1 Example Priority List User could select other priority levelsDevice Power State Priority CPU SPEED 60% 12 CPU SPEED 30% 1 Backlightreduced to 10 minimum. Backlight blanked when 2 scanning. ScannerDisabled 3 WAN Disabled 4 WAN cycled off for 8 extended periods. 802.11Disabled 5 802.11 cycled off for 7 extended periods Speaker Volume 11reduced to minimum Haptics disabled 6 BT radio disabled 9 NFC radioDisabled 13 Camera disabled 15 Other devices disabled 14 Heater @ 100%17 Heater @ 50% Duty 16 Cycle

In this example, system the lowest priority action is related to theclock speed of processor 101. Based on this prioritization, when theBATT_PWR_FACTOR exceeds a prescribed threshold, the first action takenby the power management process is to reduce the clock speed to theprocessor by 30% (Priority 1). If this is not adequate to bring theBATT_PWR_FACTOR down to an acceptable range, the backlight is blankedwhen scanning (Priority 2). If this is not adequate to bring theBATT_PWR_FACTOR down to an acceptable range, the scanner is disabled(Priority 3) and so on. These priorities may be user manipulated orfactory set.

In this example, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is computed by first reading thetemperature, voltage, and current from battery monitor 202. TABLE 2below shows example ranges of temperature, voltage and current for thisexample battery pack and factors T, V and I representing a figure ofmerit ranging from values of 1 to 8 for each. These values can be usermanipulated or factory set.

TABLE 2 Table used to calculate BATT_PWR_FACTOR. All measurements are 5second running averages. T + V + I = BATT_PWR_FACTOR Temperature Factor(T) T >=10 C. 1 −5 C. < T < 10 C. 3 T <=−5 C. 8 Voltage Factor (V)V >=3.8 V 1 3.5 V < V < 3.8 V 3 V <=3.5 V 8 Current Factor (I) I <=400mA 1 400 mA < I < 800 mA 3 I >=800 mA 8

The battery power factor is then computed as:

BATT_PWR_FACTOR=T+V+I.

Thus, if the temperature is between −5° C. and 10° C., the voltage isgreater than 3.8 volts and the current is less than 400 mA, the value ofBATT_PWR_FACTOR would be computed as:

BATT_PWR_FACTOR=3+1+1=5.

This BATT_PWR_FACTOR is tested against a prescribed threshold (7 in theexample shown) to determine if systems or processes should be shut downor changed.

Returning to FIG. 11, at 308 the power management process is initializedby setting BATT_PWR_FACTOR=0. Whenever the threshold for the batterypower factor has been exceeded, a BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is set to one, soat initialization at 308, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is initialized tozero. In addition, the process uses an earlier version of the batterypower factor (before the most recent change) and that value isdesignated LAST_BPF. At 308, this value is also initialized to zero.Control then passes to 310

At 310, the battery temperature, voltage, and current are read frombattery monitor 202 and the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is computed at 312.

Once the BATT_PWR_FACTOR has been calculated at 312, it is compared to athreshold at 314 (which may be factory set or user manipulated) and inthis example is set to 7. If the BATT_PWR_FACTOR does not exceed thisthreshold at 314, the process proceeds to 318.

At 318, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is inspected and if it is not set to 1,the process returns to 310 for a next battery data reading.

At 320, if the BATT_PWR_FACTOR exceeded the threshold at 314 then thecurrent BATT_PWR_FACTOR is saved as LAST_BPF and the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BITis set to 1 and the process proceeds to 324.

At 324, the lowest priority system that is running in full power mode ischanged (e.g., the processor clock speed is lowest priority and theprocessor clock speed is the first change made by reducing the clockspeed by 30%). The change will take the target system or process to alower power state (in this example, a lower clock speed). When thissystem or process change is made, the process goes back to 310 to againcheck the battery data. This aids in determining the effectiveness ofeach incremental reduction in power.

Returning to 318, if the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is set to (as it will be onat least the first cycle through the process after the bit has been setat 320), then the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is compared to LAST_BPF +2 at 328. Therequirement that the BATT_PWR_FACTOR be at most two less than theLAST_BPF adds hysteresis to the system to prevent instability. When thisrequirement is met at 330, the process can begin to re-activate systemsthat have been turned off and resume a higher power consumption rate forsystems that have been compromised to reduce power (e.g., return theprocessor to 100% clock speed). Hence, at 330, the highest prioritysystem is restored to full power and the process goes to 334.

If any systems or processes are still in a lower power mode at 334, theprocess returns to 310 for the next reading of battery data. If on theother hand, there are no systems or processes that remain in the lowerpower mode (including inactivated) at 334, then the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BITis cleared to zero and the process returns to 310.

In the example provided, the terminal voltage, current drain, andtemperature of the battery are measured by the battery monitor device.However, in other embodiments fewer or more battery characteristics canbe measured. For example, in the case where the battery monitor circuit202 maintains data representing a battery's discharge curve, thebattery's current position on the discharge curve can be used instead ofor in addition to the other data discussed. In other exampleembodiments, a single battery measurement (e.g., terminal voltage ortemperature) or a combination of two or more battery characteristics canbe used to create a battery power factor without limitation.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patentapplication publications, and patent applications:

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Example embodiments of the present invention are thus described inrelation to managing energy usage by a mobile device.

For clarity and brevity, as well as to avoid unnecessary or unhelpfulobfuscating, obscuring, obstructing, or occluding features of an exampleembodiment, certain intricacies and details, which are known generallyto artisans of ordinary skill in related technologies, may have beenomitted or discussed in less than exhaustive detail. Any such omissionsor discussions are neither necessary for describing example embodimentsof the invention, nor particularly relevant to understanding ofsignificant elements, features, functions, and aspects of the exampleembodiments described herein.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch example embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and theterm “or” is used in an inclusive (and not exclusive) sense. The figuresare schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale.Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic anddescriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling fog or frost on a mobiledevice, comprising: providing a programmed processor, one or moresensors, and an energy transfer element that when activated removes fogor frost within the mobile device; the processor reading the one or moresensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog orfrost condition; the processor, upon detecting a fog or frost condition,activating the energy transfer element to remove fog or frost; and theprocessor, upon detecting an absence of the fog or frost condition,deactivating the energy transfer element.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, where the one or more sensors comprises a temperature sensor,and where the processor determines that there is a fog or frostcondition if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔT over aprescribed period of time.
 3. The method according to claim 2, where theprocessor determines that a fog or frost condition has passed when thetemperature sensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperatureT_Clear.
 4. The method according to claim 2, where the value of ΔT isadjustable.
 5. The method according to claim 2, where the temperaturesensor measures a temperature of a window covering a display or animaging optics system.
 6. The method according to claim 1, where the oneor more sensors comprises a sensor that directly examines a surface ofthe mobile device to detect the presence of fog or frost.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, where the sensor comprises an optical sensor, andwhere the processor determines that fog or frost is present by analysisof an image captured by the optical sensor.
 8. The method according toclaim 6, where the sensor comprises an ultrasound sensor, and where theprocessor determines that fog or frost is present by analysis ofultrasound signals that change in the presence of fog or frost.
 9. Themethod according to claim 1, where activating the energy transferelement comprises activating the heater element by less than 100%.
 10. Amobile device, comprising: one or more sensors that are configured todetect the presence of fog or frost on a surface of the mobile device; abattery that provides power to the mobile device; an energy transferelement that, when activated, removes fog or frost from the surface ofthe mobile device; a programmed processor, within the mobile device, theprogrammed processor being programmed to: read one or more sensorsdisposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog or frostcondition; upon detecting a fog or frost condition, activating theheater element to remove fog or frost; and upon detecting an absence ofthe fog or frost condition, deactivating the energy transfer element.11. The mobile device according to claim 10, where the one or moresensors comprises a temperature sensor, and where the processordetermines that there is a fog or frost condition if the temperaturerises by more than a threshold ΔT over a prescribed period of time. 12.The mobile device according to claim 11, where the processor determinesthat a fog or frost condition has passed when the temperature sensordetects a temperature of a prescribed temperature T_Clear.
 13. Themobile device according to claim 11, where the value of ΔT is useradjustable.
 14. The mobile device according to claim 11, where thetemperature sensor measures a temperature of a window covering a displayor an imaging optics system.
 15. The mobile device according to claim10, where the one or more sensors comprises a sensor that directlyexamines a surface of the mobile device to detect the presence of fog orfrost.
 16. The mobile device according to claim 15, where the sensorcomprises an optical sensor, and where the processor determines that fogor frost is present by analysis of an image captured by the opticalsensor.
 17. The mobile device according to claim 15, where the sensorcomprises an ultrasound sensor, and where the processor determines thatfog or frost is present by analysis of ultrasound signals that change inthe presence of fog or frost.
 18. The mobile device according to claim10, where the energy transfer element comprises a heater element andwhere activating the energy transfer element comprises activating theheater element by less than 100%.
 19. The mobile device according toclaim 10, where activation of the energy transfer element is determinedby a state of the battery.
 20. The mobile device according to claim 10,where the surface comprises at least one of a window covering a displayof the mobile device, or a window covering an imager of the mobiledevice.